By Phil Méthot and Richard Tardif
Are you looking for a fun way to improve communication and build skills to help your career? Pointe-Claire Toastmasters allows you to engage with people with similar interests in a supportive and comfortable setting.
Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. The organization’s membership exceeds approximately 280,000 in more than 14,700 clubs in 144 countries. Here are six reasons to join Pointe-Claire Toastmasters.
1. Hone your public speaking skills
Maybe you’d like to overcome your stage anxiety or find it challenging to provide a concise and organized message. You may need help with time or want to learn how to use your voice and motions effectively.
Toastmasters might be the perfect solution for you. You will improve by putting yourself out there, giving speeches, and receiving helpful comments. Even if you don’t see yourself as a keynote speaker at a sizable conference, the abilities you would acquire via Toastmasters could still benefit you in everyday situations.
2. Dedicated Hybrid meetings
Our club is a dedicated HYBRID club. That means that you may attend in person, or for those stormy nights, or when your schedule is tight, you may participate online. Never miss a meeting because of bad weather!
3. Personal mentoring
Mentoring pairs a new member with an experienced member to guarantee individual goals and development. When new members join, mentors help them navigate the club’s meetings, short roles, Paths, and speeches. Based on your goals, we will pair you with a mentor to serve as your coach.
4. Top-notch speakers
We have several Distinguished Toastmasters—members who have achieved high standards in speaking and leadership skills. All Distinguished Toastmasters have held leadership roles beyond the club as Area and District Officers. Leadership is a strong force within our club. Many of our speakers are speech contest winners. Several members have won competitions within Toastmasters International in their speaking and evaluation contests. At Pointe-Claire Toastmasters, you have the advantage of learning from proven winners.
5. Our secret ingredient? Great evaluators!
Feedback is the key to becoming better at speaking. Hearing other opinions of your performance makes you aware of your strengths and weaknesses and allows you to improve after every speech. We have made evaluations a key pillar of our training program, and our evaluators are top-notch. Teaching you how to become an evaluator is an essential means by which you become a better speaker. Learning to listen and expressing what you hear are vital ingredients in creating winning speeches.
6. Technology!
More people are presenting online through YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. You need to know the best way to use the technology. We can help you deliver an outstanding presentation.
Where to find us?
You can find us every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at John The Baptist Church Hall venue, at 233 Av. Sainte-Claire, Pointe-Claire, Quebec. We have excellent facilities, free parking, and walk-in access. We use the kitchen, so coffee and often snacks are there during our break.
The next step
We’ve all been in meetings when talking is expected of us, but for many, it’s new and a little daunting. Toastmasters will help you manage your stress and overcome your fear of public speaking so you may take on more work responsibilities. Please contact us by contacting our V.P. of Membership, Phil Méthot, at methotology@gmail.com and get started today!
